When your beloved dog has diarrhea, it’s natural that you become worried and confused about what to do next. The question that comes to mind for almost every dog owner is, “Should I Feed My Dog If He Has Diarrhea?” Let’s dive deeper into this most important topic, understand the best approach, and get clear, practical advice that will help your faithful dog recover quickly.
- 1 What Causes Diarrhea in Dogs?
- 2 Should I Feed My Dog If He Has Diarrhea?
- 3 What to Feed a Dog with Diarrhea
- 4 Should I Feed My Dog If He Has Diarrhea? The Safe Feeding Schedule
- 5 Signs That Your Dog Should Not Be Fed
- 6 Preventing Dehydration During Diarrhea
- 7 When to Resume Normal Dog Food
- 8 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Feeding a Dog with Diarrhea
- 9 FAQs: Should I Feed My Dog If He Has Diarrhea?
- 10 Final Thoughts: Should I Feed My Dog If He Has Diarrhea?
What Causes Diarrhea in Dogs?
Before you decide whether or not to feed your dog, it is important to understand what can cause diarrhea in dogs. The common causes are as follows:
✅ Dietary negligence: Your dog eating something they shouldn’t have.
✅ Food intolerance or allergy: Sudden changes in dog food or a certain ingredient.
✅ Infection: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection.
✅ Stress or anxiety: Changes in the dog’s environment or routine.
✅ Medical conditions: Such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or pancreatitis.
Understanding the cause will answer the question, “Should I Feed My Dog If He Has Diarrhea?” Let’s understand this in detail.
Should I Feed My Dog If He Has Diarrhea?
The short answer is that it depends on the severity of the diarrhea and its cause. Let’s explore this thoroughly!
✅ Mild diarrhea:
- If a dog is otherwise behaving normally (playing, alert, eating), you can fast for about 12 to 24 hours to give his gut a rest.
- Give the dog small amounts of water frequently so that he does not get dehydrated.
- After the fast, move slowly to ordinary dog food (will discuss this below).
✅ Severe Diarrhea:
- If the dog has vomiting, lethargy, or blood in its stool, along with diarrhea, stop feeding it immediately and contact your veterinarian.
What to Feed a Dog with Diarrhea
If you’ve decided to feed your dog after a short fasting period, choosing the right food is critical. Let’s look at the best options.
1. Bland Diet
Ordinary dog food is gentle on the dog’s digestive system and also helps to harden the stool.
| Food | Reason |
|---|---|
| Boiled chicken (no skin) | High protein, easy to digest |
| White rice | Gentle on stomach, provides energy |
| Pumpkin (plain) | Rich in fiber, helps firm stool |
| Boiled potatoes | Bland, easy to digest |
| Plain yogurt (unsweetened) | Contains probiotics, supports gut health |
👉 Feed in small portions every 2 to 3 hours, avoid large meals.
Should I Feed My Dog If He Has Diarrhea? The Safe Feeding Schedule
A gradual feeding schedule avoids shock to any dog’s digestive system.
1️⃣ First 12–24 hours: No food, only water or electrolyte solution (such as unflavored Pedialyte).
2️⃣ Day 2: Regular dog food in small portions (1 to 2 tablespoons every few hours).
3️⃣ Day 3: If the dog’s diarrhea improves, gradually increase the amount.
4️⃣ Day 4–5: Begin mixing regular dog food in with the regular dog food.
Signs That Your Dog Should Not Be Fed
It’s generally considered safe to feed any dog with mild diarrhea, but there are situations when feeding can be very harmful. Look for these signs:
❌ Diarrhea with vomiting — This is a sign of a more serious problem.
❌ Lethargy or weakness — This can also be a sign of dehydration or illness.
❌ Blood in the stool — The dog needs immediate vet attention.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, stop feeding and contact the vet immediately.
Preventing Dehydration During Diarrhea
Even if the dog is not eating, it is important to stay hydrated.
⭐ Offer small amounts of fresh, clean water frequently.
⭐ If signs of dehydration appear (such as dry gums or sunken eyes), administer an electrolyte solution.
⭐ If a dog is refusing to drink water, ice cubes are also a good option.
When to Resume Normal Dog Food
Once the dog’s stool has returned to normal, slowly return to normal dog food over 3 to 5 days.
👉 Mix the regular dog food with the regular diet in small portions.
👉 Slowly increase the amount of the dog’s regular food and decrease the amount of the regular diet.
👉 Keep an eye on the consistency of his stool and make adjustments as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Feeding a Dog with Diarrhea
1️⃣ Feeding too quickly: Give the dog’s digestive system time to rest.
2️⃣ Skipping hydration: Dehydration can be more dangerous for a dog than diarrhea.
3️⃣ Feeding too much simple food: Even simple food given to the dog in large portions can upset its stomach.
4️⃣ Ignoring symptoms: Diarrhea that continues for more than about 24 to 48 hours requires a veterinarian.
FAQs: Should I Feed My Dog If He Has Diarrhea?
If my dog is behaving normally despite diarrhea, should I feed him?
Yes, but start with a simple diet and monitor any changes in behavior or stool.
What if my dog refuses to eat during diarrhea?
Don’t force. Focus on keeping him hydrated and when he shows interest in eating, offer a simple diet in small portions.
Can I give my dog normal kibble during diarrhea?
No, avoid kibble until the diarrhea clears up. It can be hard to digest.
When should I call the vet for my dog’s diarrhea?
If diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours, or if your dog shows signs of dehydration, vomiting, or lethargy, contact the vet immediately.
Final Thoughts: Should I Feed My Dog If He Has Diarrhea?
Whether or not to feed your dog during his diarrhea depends on its severity and cause. A short fast, followed by a gentle, simple diet, usually resolves mild diarrhea. Always prioritize your dog’s hydration and watch for warning signs that most require veterinary care.
By understanding your beloved dog’s needs, you can help him recover quickly and comfortably!